BIOLOGY I
ARMSTRONG JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL
2015-2016
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“TAKE ON CHALLENGES: IF YOU SUCCEED, YOU WILL BE HAPPY; IF YOU
FAIL, YOU WILL BE WISE.”
INSTRUCTOR:
CONTACT INFORMATION:
WEB PAGE:
Mr. Keller, Room 312
kell@asd.k12.pa.us
(Access my webpage through the district website.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is a study of the concepts of biology, which are central to an understanding of life and
living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. The course is
designed to acquaint students with basic biological concepts and practical applications in the everyday world.
COURSE OUTLINE:
1. The Science of Life: Chapter 1: 1.1, 1.3, and 1.4
2. Biochemistry: Chapters 2 and 3: 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.2
3. Cell Structure and Function: Chapter 4: 4.1-4.4 and Chapter 23: 23.1 (Domain Archea) and 23.2
4. Homeostasis and Cellular Transport: Chapter 5: 5.1-5.2
5. Photosynthesis and Cell Respiration: Chapter 6 and 7: 6.1 and 7.1
6. Cell Reproduction: Chapter 8: 8.1-8.3
7. Genetics: Chapter 9 and 12: 9.1- 9.2, 12.1-12.2
8. DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis: Chapter 10: 10.1-10.4
9. Genetic Engineering: Chapter 13: 13.1 and 13.3
10. Evolution: Chapter 15 and 16: 15.1-15.3 and 16.1-16.3
11. Ecology: Chapter 18-20: 18.1-18.4, 19.1-19.2, 20.1-20.2
NOTE: Since the PDE has introduced the Keystone Exams as one component of Pennsylvania’s new system of high school
graduation requirements, I will make every attempt to meet all Assessment Anchors and Eligible content set forth by the
state prior to the exam. That is, all eligible content will be covered by the end of the school year (see outline above).
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MATERIALS REQUIRED:
 NOTEBOOK/BINDER WITH LOOSELEAF PAPER– maintain all notes and handouts, TEXTBOOK – Modern Biology (Owl),
PEN/PENCIL(S), Student Progress Monitoring Tool for BIOLOGY I - SCHOOL YEAR 2015-2016
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
1. Be Prepared: Students should bring their binder and pen/pencil everyday. Late assignments, lab work or projects will
receive a 10% penalty for each day it is late. No work for a chapter will be accepted after that chapter’s test.
2. Be Prompt: Students are expected to be seated and ready to begin at the class start time. Students who are tardy on the
3rd time in one nine weeks will be issued a detention. Each tardy thereafter will be issued a detention each time.
3. Be Respectful: Students are required to raise their hand to ask questions or participate in class discussions. Respect
the teacher and your fellow classmates at all times in both your speech and your actions. Remain in your assigned seat
unless otherwise directed. Keep in mind, if you want to be treated like an adult then you must act like one and accept the
responsibilities that come with it.
4. Be Productive: Students should remain on task during class time. This includes limiting off-topic conversations and not
using cell phones or other electronic devices during class time. In fact, electronic devices will not be permitted to be used in
class unless explicitly directed by the teacher for educational use (see Policy 237 on Electronic Devices).
5. Follow Lab Rules:
a) Always ask questions first if you are unsure of lab procedures.
b) Safety first! Use caution with lab equipment. Students must wear closed-toe shoes during lab periods. Proper
safety equipment such as goggles must be worn at all times, other equipment may be required based on the
activity.
c) No eating or drinking in the lab EVER!
THE KEYSTONE EXAM: NOTE: Since the PDE has introduced the Keystone Exams as one component of Pennsylvania’s new
system of high school graduation requirements, I will make every attempt to meet all Assessment Anchors and Eligible
content set forth by the state prior to the exam. That is, all eligible content will be covered by the end of the school year (see
course outline above). In fact, the exam will be given in the spring of 2016 on dates designated by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education. The Keystone Exam is used to assess student mastery of Assessment Anchors and Eligible
content and should not be taken lightly!! Keystone Exams will help school districts guide students toward meeting state
standards. Feel free to learn more about the Keystone Exam at the following web address
http://www.pdesas.org/module/assessment/Graduation.aspx# or search Pennsylvania Keystone Exams on internet.
Sign this page to Mr. Keller
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I/We have read and understand the expectations of Biology I and agree to abide by them.
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Student Signature
Date
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Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
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